Two of CWS's videos -- our introduction for builders and contractors, and our spot from "The Environmental Channel" providing an overview of the concrete washout problem CWS solves -- are now available on YouTube. Check them out at: CWS YouTube Video. (Special thanks to Reef Mowers of American Concrete Washouts for this excellent suggestion.)

Increasing EPA enforcement of the Clean Water Act signals a growing opportunity for CWS and its licensed operators.

In the latest major example of tougher enforcement, four of the nation's top ten home builders -- KB Home, Richmond American, Centex and Pulte -- agreed in June to pay more than $4 million in EPA fines. The builders acknowledged that they violated the Clean Water Act because of inadequate stormwater protection programs at their construction sites in 34 states around the country. Concrete washout waste was one of the common water pollutants cited. Both the EPA and leading homebuilding executives have indicated that they expect the decision to lead to much greater attention to stormwater protection among all builders. The homebuilders involved in the settlement have already committed to extensive stormwater training for employees, as well as more detailed pre-project planning to control pollution.

This latest settlement comes on the heels of a $1.3 million fine levied on Home Depot in February for water pollution at new store construction sites. Wal-Mart was cited several years ago, and dramatically improved its stormwater policies as a result. Several local CWS operators have benefitted from opportunities to help Wal-Mart properly manage concrete waste and wastewater at its big-box store construction sites.

CWS LANDS HIGH-PROFILE PROJECT

Congratulations to Roger Haftek of Haftek CWS, whose company began work on one of the nation's most-anticipated construction projects last month. Haftek CWS is providing concrete washout services for the World Trade Center rebuild project in New York City.

REMINDER: YOUR CONTRACT DETERMINES YOUR OPERATING BOUNDARIES

If you became a licensed CWS operator before late 2007, please remember that your contract defines a specific geographic area in which you are authorized to offer the CWS solution -- and, by contract, you are permitted to offer the service only in your defined territory (unless a one-time exception is specifically granted by CWS).

New operators who joined in 2008 are part of the "CWS 2.0" program, which is much less geographically restrictive. Your contract does indicate some areas in which you are not authorized to offer service, but you may operate in any area that is not explicitly excluded.

We offer a conversion option for operators who'd like to take advantage of the 2.0 program and immediately expand their operating area. Please contact Joe Capko at {encode="joe@concretewashout.com" title="joe@concretewashout.com"} or (916) 607-0005 for more information. Please also contact Joe if you have any questions about what area your current contract permits you to serve.

WELCOME DIANE WILLIAMS

CWS welcomed Diane Williams to the team as our controller last month. She is your primary contact for billing-related questions. Her impressive background includes more than 10 years experience in construction accounting, including experience with general contractors, sub-contractors and environmental contractors. If you'd like to introduce yourself to Diane, please feel free to drop her a line at dianew@concretewashout.com .

NEW FINANCING RESOURCE

CWS has established an additional financing relationship with 1st Source Bank for operators making large bin orders. They're experienced in construction and environmental finance and can pre-approve loans for convenience. Contact Diane Williams, CWS Controller, for more information about this exciting new option.

QUESTIONS OF THE MONTH

Q: How can I get more local regulatory attention focused on concrete washout pollution?

A: As evidenced by the EPA settlement with the home builders, enforcement is improving. However, it's not happening at an equal pace in every market. If you're not seeing adequate enforcement in your market, it's important to keep raising the issue at every opportunity. The squeaky wheel does get more grease -- and, the good news with government behavior is, once enforcement picks up, it tends to stay in place, so the threat of penalties becomes much more real to your prospects and existing customers.

Concrete Washout Systems' CEO Mark Jenkins recently wrote a letter to our own California Water Board that might be helpful to you in bringing more attention to concrete wastewater as an important pollution control issue. It lays out all the issues, so that our state officials understand the extent of the problem (as well as how we can easily and inexpensively solve it). We suggest you forward this letter to your own local authorities, with an introduction from you and your company as local providers of the Concrete Washout Systems solution.